FocusSufficiency from God
Connection to the wholePaul points to the Corinthians themselves as evidence of ministry and identifies God as the source of sufficiency for the new covenant service.
interpretation 2 Corinthians 3:4
KJVAnd such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
Read it in context
The Superiority of the New Covenant Ministry
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 3:1 (2 Corinthians 3:1 to 2 Corinthians 3:18).
The passage begins a new section where Paul defends his ministry by contrasting the Old and New Covenants, emphasizing the greater glory and efficacy of the Spirit-empowered New Covenant.
- 3:1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
- 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
- 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
- 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
- 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
- 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
- 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
- 3:8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
- 3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
- 3:10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
- 3:11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
- 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
- 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
- 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
- 3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
- 3:16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
- 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
- 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 1:1–7:16): Paul addresses the Corinthian believers about his afflictions, ministry, changed travel plans, and their response to his earlier painful dealings, as reported by Titus. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is Paul's confidence in his ministry of the New Covenant, which is established through Christ and empowered by God, contrasting it with the Old Covenant. The Corinthian believers themselves serve as living proof of this effective ministry.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that the New Covenant ministry, which is ministered by the Spirit, is superior and more glorious than the Old Covenant, which was a 'ministration of death.' He also reveals that true sufficiency for ministry comes from Him through Christ, not from human ability.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, characterized by theological argumentation, defense of apostolic authority, and comparative discourse between the Old and New Covenants.
When
- When was it written? Circa A.D. 56.
- When does the event take place? The events of Paul's ministry and the conversion of the Corinthians occurred during Paul's third missionary journey. The comparison to Moses refers to events from the Old Testament.
Where
- Where did it happen? The ministry described by Paul took place in various locations, including Corinth. The historical events concerning Moses and the children of Israel occurred in the wilderness.
- Where was the author located? Macedonia.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Superiority of the New Covenant Ministry (2 Corinthians 3:1 to 2 Corinthians 3:18). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 3:1. The passage begins a new section where Paul defends his ministry by contrasting the Old and New Covenants, emphasizing the greater glory and efficacy of the Spirit-empowered New Covenant.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This passage is part of Paul's defense of his apostolic authority and the legitimacy of his ministry. He contrasts his Spirit-empowered New Covenant ministry with the Old Covenant and with the criticisms from those who questioned his apostleship, establishing the superior glory and efficacy of the New Covenant. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The passage explicitly states that Paul's 'trust' (confidence) is 'through Christ to God-ward' (2 Corinthians 3:4). It highlights that the 'ministration of the spirit' (the New Covenant) is superior to the 'ministration of death' (the Old Covenant), and crucially, that the veil over the Old Testament is 'done away in Christ' (2 Corinthians 3:14). Christ is the means by which believers are transformed into His image by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? Believers today can have confidence in their walk with God and in any ministry they undertake, knowing that their sufficiency comes from God through Christ, not from their own abilities or external commendations. The Holy Spirit empowers the New Covenant life, bringing liberty and continuous transformation into the image of Christ. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 3:1, 2 Corinthians 3:2, 2 Corinthians 3:3, 2 Corinthians 3:4, 2 Corinthians 3:5, 2 Corinthians 3:6, 2 Corinthians 3:7, 2 Corinthians 3:8, 2 Corinthians 3:9, 2 Corinthians 3:10, 2 Corinthians 3:11, 2 Corinthians 3:12, 2 Corinthians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 3:14, 2 Corinthians 3:15, 2 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 3:18
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- such 2 Cor 2:14 Phil 1:6
- God-ward Exod 18:19 1 Thess 1:8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 3
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
The surpassing glory
2 Corinthians 3:7–18FocusThe veil removed in Christ
Connection to the wholeThe comparison with Moses explains the greater glory of the ministry of the Spirit and the transformation associated with turning to the Lord.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Comfort and Paul's relationship to the church
2 Corinthians 1:1–2:13FocusSuffering, plans, and restoration
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
interpretation FocusNew covenant, weakness, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
interpretation The collection
2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15FocusWilling generosity
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
interpretation Apostolic authority and the coming visit
2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14FocusDiscernment, weakness, and examination
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.